A strange book ... a hunting memoir, a species appreciation, myth.... I think I would have enjoyed it more had it been more focused. Although I do not...moreA strange book ... a hunting memoir, a species appreciation, myth.... I think I would have enjoyed it more had it been more focused. Although I do not hunt and have no desire to do so, the hunting sections were the most successfully carried out.(less)
Two sisters decide to through hike the Appalachian Trail. What made them instantly recognizable was they hiked barefoot most of the length from Maine...moreTwo sisters decide to through hike the Appalachian Trail. What made them instantly recognizable was they hiked barefoot most of the length from Maine to Georgia.
At times, they seemed whiney, petulant and rather immature for their years. Yet, as the miles past, their muscles toughened, and they overcame various obstacles, they grew. To me, the strength of this book is the story of their growth, and the mini-stories of those hiking alongside them. (less)
Gwen Moffat is an interesting person - unconventional, athletic and stubborn. She became a professional mountaineer - often climbing barefoot during t...moreGwen Moffat is an interesting person - unconventional, athletic and stubborn. She became a professional mountaineer - often climbing barefoot during the 40's when women didn't do such things.
Mainly I read this because I enjoy her Melinda Pink series of adventure/mysteries. Now I understand where Miss Pink came from.(less)
I heard much good about this book, so anticipated an enjoyable story. Which I got.
But I was very frustrated with the Frieda character, who imho reall...moreI heard much good about this book, so anticipated an enjoyable story. Which I got.
But I was very frustrated with the Frieda character, who imho really didn't add much value to the narrative. In fact, she broke up a perfectly good story. Honestly think it would have gotten an additional star had she not been included.(less)
Part travel/adventure, part climate science, magazine author Lanza and his family visit 8 disparate parks, hiking, backpacking and climbing on a journ...morePart travel/adventure, part climate science, magazine author Lanza and his family visit 8 disparate parks, hiking, backpacking and climbing on a journey of a lifetime. But each park is threatened by rising average temperature. Without getting into the political controversy, Lanza documents the changes and show where and why they will affect our national parks.(less)
A memoir of a kayaking expedition on the untamed Tsangpo River. The book is as much about expedition politics and management as it is about kayaking....moreA memoir of a kayaking expedition on the untamed Tsangpo River. The book is as much about expedition politics and management as it is about kayaking.
I listened to the audio version, which was indeed nicely narrated by Patrick Lawlor. Searching for pictures of the gorge, though, reinforced my idea that I maybe should have read this one, assuming that it had pictures. I have reserved the print copy from my library. Some things just need seeing.(less)
A disappointing (to me at least) memoir of a pair of entomologists' field research in Africa decades ago. The problem with the book is that it isn't p...moreA disappointing (to me at least) memoir of a pair of entomologists' field research in Africa decades ago. The problem with the book is that it isn't personal enough to give a sense of the people, not enough travel to give a sense of the continent and its history (they experienced the Mau Mau rebellion - and made it seem mundane!) not enough science to learn anything about termites and ants. I am not sorry that I listened to it, but wish it had found itself before she sent it off to her publisher.(less)
For several months each year, Philip Connors (a former WSJ editor) works as a fire lookout in the Gila Wilderness, NM. The solitude gives him time for...moreFor several months each year, Philip Connors (a former WSJ editor) works as a fire lookout in the Gila Wilderness, NM. The solitude gives him time for self examination and reflection. The result is Fire Season.
If you are looking for an adrenaline charged adventure tale, this is not it. Instead, he muses on the value of predators and fire to the ecosystem, the glories of solitude, and the various critters that cross his path.
Not particularly original, but elegantly written, entertaining and the message bears repeating.
Now, how can I persuade Eric that we are going to the Gila Wilderness? (less)
A fascinating glimpse at France's Marne Valley, the route that Louis and Marie Antoinette took on their hapless flight from Paris to Varenne. It is al...moreA fascinating glimpse at France's Marne Valley, the route that Louis and Marie Antoinette took on their hapless flight from Paris to Varenne. It is also bloody ground much fought over in the World Wars. Yet it also boasts of Champagne, the cathedral city of Reims, and the birthplace of the chocolate bar. I would love to recreate their trip (only not by bike.)
What irritated me about the book was the author's whiny tone. I really wanted to tell her to grow up already. Still, the vibrancy of her description means that I will likely look for others of her books. Too many places to see... too little time and money.(less)
Bill Terry is obsessed with Asiatic poppies, in particular, the wild blue poppy found in Tibet. So, he and his wife join a tour into this wild land to...moreBill Terry is obsessed with Asiatic poppies, in particular, the wild blue poppy found in Tibet. So, he and his wife join a tour into this wild land to botanize and, if he is lucky, find this poppy.
The travel narrative is fascinating, and worth the read especially if you also enjoy botany. What really makes the book, however, is the accompanying photos. I would not have enjoyed this book as much had I read it on my Kindle Touch instead of my Fire.
Of course, now I want to go on a trip like his.... (Eric rolls his eyes, thinking of the dismay driving these mountain roads would produce.)
Found this book on my library's Overdrive site. Thank you, MidYork!(less)
When her publisher asked adventure/mystery author Gwen Moffat to trace the American pioneers' paths from the Missouri River to California, she was sur...moreWhen her publisher asked adventure/mystery author Gwen Moffat to trace the American pioneers' paths from the Missouri River to California, she was surprised and considered turning down the assignment. After some research, she saw that it could be interesting.
Using her particular emphasis (she stops along the way for mountaineering) and pulling in 19th century anecdotes, she puts a human touch to the story so familiar in its outlines but not often really understood.
Probably a certain familiarity with the geography and history would help in enjoying this book. Wind Rivers doesn't necessarily, for example, tell many easterners much. Still, I am glad that I could track this book down at my library.
(Purely personal notes - she wrote this book shortly before my first trip west of the Mississippi. The cover shows a familiar to me scene of Mt Whitney and the Alabama Hills. Death Valley is covered. And, she talks about my beloved Red Rock Canyon State Park outside Mojave.)(less)
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